Blackhawks' Kane: Crawford deserves to play in All-Star Game
Although boasting a league-leading six shutouts, Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford will be a spectator in the 2016 NHL All-Star Game later this month.
While the conservative Crawford isn't lashing out after the rosters were released on Wednesday, Blackhawks superstar forward Patrick Kane wasn't too pleased with his netminder's exclusion from the exhibition contest on Jan 31. Kane, who was voted in as a captain, went so far as to refer to the two-time Jennings Trophy winner as "the best goaltender in the league."
Via Chicago Tribune:
"Very disappointing. If there's one guy on this team who deserves it, it's probably him. He has had a great start to the season. If you look at his numbers they're very, very impressive. He's the best goaltender in the league. To not have the best goaltender in the league (there) is kind of a little bit difficult for us. He is definitely deserving to go."
Since Kane asked to look at Crawford's numbers, let's do so.
Entering play on Thursday, the 31-year-old Crawford resides third in the league in wins (21), first in shutouts (six) and 10th in save percentage (.925).
Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne (16-12-6, 2.43 goals-against average, .907 save percentage, two shutouts) and Minnesota Wild netminder Devan Dubnyk (17-11-3, 2.28, .921, four) were granted roster spots for the Central Division contingent in the All-Star Game.
#Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville on Corey Crawford not making the All-Star Game: "He's certainly deserving but sometimes that's the deal."
— Mark Potash (@MarkPotash) January 6, 2016
As for Kane's assertion that Crawford is the best goaltender in the league, perhaps Washington Capitals netminder Braden Holtby (NHL-best 25 wins, 1.93 goals-against average, .932 save percentage) - and even injured Montreal Canadiens stud Carey Price, you know the reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner - might have a thing or two to say about that.
